Global: The Future of Passwords: Google’s Move to Passkeys – What You Need to Know

If you’re weary of juggling multiple passwords, there’s good news on the horizon. Google is embracing a password-less future, making passkeys the default option for personal Google accounts. Earlier this year, the tech giant unveiled its plans for passkeys, and they’re intended to offer a more secure, straightforward alternative to traditional passwords.

Passkeys permit users to sign in using biometric methods such as fingerprint recognition, facial scans, or a screen lock PIN. Google users will soon be prompted to create and utilize passkeys for their account, with the “Skip password when possible” option being activated by default. But what exactly is a passkey?

Understanding Passkeys:

A passkey is a digital credential that serves as an authentication mechanism, similar to the traditional username and password. It enables you to log into your passkey-enabled account without manually entering your password. Google claims that using passkeys can be up to 40% faster than typing passwords and assures users that the underlying cryptographic technology makes passkeys more secure than traditional passwords.

Logging into Google Accounts with Passkeys:

To log in using passkeys, you must be signed into your Google account on an Android device. Once that’s done, you can employ your Android phone’s authentication methods—such as fingerprint recognition, facial scans, or a PIN—to authenticate your Google account login. This means you’ll no longer be bothered by the daunting task of remembering multiple passwords.

Google highlights that one of the immediate advantages of passkeys is that they relieve users from the burden of recalling complex combinations of numbers and special characters in passwords. Additionally, they are touted as being more resistant to phishing attempts, enhancing overall security.

The Rising Popularity of Passkeys:

In the near future, passkeys are set to become more widespread and integrated into various applications. Google has already implemented passkeys for YouTube, Search, and Maps. Beyond Google’s ecosystem, services like Uber and eBay have begun offering the option to use passkeys, and WhatsApp is expected to join the lineup soon.

Apple users are already familiar with the concept, as the company supports passkeys on its devices. This enables users to sign into their Apple accounts and other applications using convenient methods like Face ID or Touch ID. As passkeys continue to gain traction, users can look forward to a future with fewer passwords to remember and enhanced security features.

The era of passkeys marks a significant step toward streamlining authentication processes and providing users with a more user-friendly and secure way to access their accounts and apps.